The Central African CFA franc (XAF) is pegged to the euro at a fixed parity. Here's how to prepare your banknotes for the CEMAC zone, from Paris, without any unpleasant surprises.
The Central African CFA franc: a fixed parity with the euro
The Central African CFA franc, whose international code is XAF, is the currency of six countries grouped within the CEMAC zone: Cameroon, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, the Central African Republic and Equatorial Guinea. It is issued by the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
Its main distinctive feature is that it is linked to the euro by a fixed and guaranteed parity: 1 euro is worth 655.957 CFA francs. This parity does not fluctuate from day to day like the dollar or the pound sterling. In practice, this simplifies your budget calculations: 100 euros always correspond to around 65,596 XAF. At the counter, the rate applied remains indicative and may vary slightly depending on the day, but the underlying stability is real.
Don't confuse XAF and XOF: two distinct CFA francs
This is the most common mistake. There are in fact two CFA francs that share the same face value but are not interchangeable:
- The Central African CFA franc (XAF), issued by the BEAC for the CEMAC zone.
- The West African CFA franc (XOF), issued by the BCEAO for countries such as Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire or Mali.
Both have the same parity with the euro, but their banknotes are different and do not circulate in the other zone. XOF banknotes will not be accepted in Douala or Libreville, and vice versa. So always specify your destination: for Cameroon or Gabon, you need XAF banknotes.
Travel and diaspora: why bring cash
In Central Africa, the economy remains largely cash-based. ATMs exist in major cities such as Douala, Yaoundé or Libreville, but they are rare outside urban centres, sometimes out of cash, and often apply high withdrawal fees on foreign cards. Card payment is still uncommon outside hotels and major retail chains.
For a business trip, a family visit or a return home, having CFA francs before departure saves you from looking for a bureau de change on arrival and from depending on local ATMs. Members of the diaspora also appreciate preparing their cash in Paris, at a clear rate and without commission, before joining their loved ones.
A regulatory point worth knowing: when entering or leaving the European Union, any transport of cash equal to or greater than 10,000 euros (all currencies combined) must be declared to customs. Below that amount, no formality is required.
Reserve your XAF in Paris, with complete confidence
The Central African CFA franc is one of the less common currencies: it is not always immediately available in quantity at the counter. To guarantee the availability of your banknotes, we recommend that you order your CFA francs online in advance, then come and collect them in store.
Paris Change (Paris Exchange entity) is a bureau de change approved by the ACPR (Banque de France), a guarantee of seriousness and compliance. Our single shop is located at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, 75005 Paris, at the exit of the Saint-Michel metro station (line 4, RER B and C). We are open 7 days a week (Monday-Saturday 9am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7:30pm) and exchange more than 53 currencies, commission-free.
Frequently asked questions
Are XAF banknotes from Cameroon valid in Gabon?
Yes. The Central African CFA franc circulates freely in the six countries of the CEMAC zone (Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Chad, CAR, Equatorial Guinea). The same XAF banknotes are accepted everywhere there.
Can I use West African CFA francs (XOF) in Central Africa?
No. Despite an identical parity with the euro, XOF and XAF banknotes are distinct and not interchangeable. Always check that they are indeed XAF banknotes for the CEMAC zone.
Do I need to book in advance to obtain XAF?
It is strongly recommended. As this is a less common currency, booking online ensures the availability of your banknotes on the day you visit the store.
Prepare your trip or your transfer with complete peace of mind: order your CFA francs now and come and collect them 7 days a week at 4 Boulevard Saint-Michel, commission-free.
